Importing Personal Property Into Australia

1 Updated 16 February 2015 Copyright 2015 Atlas International Importing Personal Property into Australia HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND Personal EFFECTS CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Customs Regulations: All shipments entering Australia are subject to a physical inspection by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). Inspection in conducted by AQIS approved facilities and usually takes up to 14 days to be cleared. Duty-free entry is permitted provided the goods and Personal effects have been owned and used by the owner for at least 1 year. Household goods and Personal effects may be cleared in advance of the client s arrival into Australia .

2 All documents must be to the Destination Agent at least 10 days prior to the arrival of the vessel. All items in every carton must be stated on the Inventory List. If Importing alcohol the bottles must be stated separately on the Alcohol Inventory List Australian Customs Service requires the submission of a physical address for all importers of household goods 48 hours prior to arrival of the shipment. A PO Box or email address is not acceptable. Shipments lacking a physical address will be subject to heavy fines. Further information can be obtained from the Australia Customs site: Notice: Effective Immediately - All cargo departing ports for Australia is subject to Pre-Fumigation Requirement due to the interception of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

3 All break bulk and containerized vehicles, including boats, machinery, auto parts and tires must be treated prior to shipping. Present a certificate of fumigation and subject to inspection upon arrival. More details can be found at: Required Documents: Passport- copy, including photo page, Australian port of entry. Some ports of entry require copy of all pages, including blank pages. The first page should be signed, dated and endorsed with the following statement. I hereby declare this to be a true copy of my passport. This document must be faxed. Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Customs Form B534) - original, must be completed and signed by the owner when the shipment arrives into Australia . Bill of Lading/Air Waybill - (express B/L is acceptable) Australian Commercial Invoice certified, for computing duties/taxes by customs officials Comprehensive Inventory - in English, PBO or MISC are not acceptable terms.

4 Itemized list of articles/goods not in possession of shipper for at least 12 months Invoices and/or receipts for ALL items less than 12 months old and for ALL electronic items Diplomat Status: Foreign diplomats are granted duty free entry; however they are subjected to AQIS examination and applicable examination fees. Some Australian Ports of Arrival will require a Letter of Authority from diplomat s mission/organization. Updated 16 February 2015 Copyright 2015 Atlas International Required Documents: Diplomatic Franchise or Diplomatic Passport - copy Customs Form B615 completed by the Embassy or Consulate in Australia Comprehensive Inventory - in English Letter of Authority if applicable, on letterhead or Form B534 may be used RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS QUARANTINE Australia is very dependent upon the livestock and agricultural industries.

5 Australia is fortunate in its freedom from many diseases of humans, animals and plants that affect other parts of the world. As a result quarantine regulations are strict. If in doubt, please check with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service or the Imported Food Inspection Service, prior to departure. Customs officials recommend fumigating, deep cleaning or steam cleaning the following high risk items to avoid possible customs delays and charges: Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service may NOT honor a Fumigations Certificate issued in the country of origin. Car, boat & golf cart interiors Bicycles, shoes Work tools Camping equipment Lawn & garden tools, furniture Flowers, candles Pet boxes, cages Christmas decorations Saddlery, drums Vacuum cleaners- No bags Soft toys, souvenirs Wood models, blinds, cane ware Alcohol - requires an Alcohol Inventory Form, list type of alcohol, amount imported, alcohol %, size & value (AUD) of each bottle.

6 Incurs 5% duty + 10% GST & Wine Equalization Tax of 29% Intellectual Property Food Items - should not be included in the shipment. If inclusion of such items is required, than these items should be packed separately in one box and noted clearly on the inventory New furniture & household items requires a B534 Form, receipts, subject to duties & GST Antiques requires Form B534 & Lapada Certificate of Authenticity; duty free if over 100 yrs old; insufficient documentation may draw Customs Authority to involve verification from an Australian Antiquities expert at the client s expense Firearms are subject to import restrictions and will be subject to release on approval from the Police authorities. All firearms and ammunitions must be declared to customs.

7 The below steps should be taken prior to importation: o Contact the Police Department in the state of your final destination regarding regulations and to obtain approval for Importing the firearm. o Firearm License - obtained from the Australian Police authorities in the region of your final destination. o The firearm can be imported duty-free if you have the Firearm License and the firearm passes the ballistics inspection by the Commonwealth Police. PROHIBITED ITEMS Controlled chemicals, Psychotropic Substances, DHEA steroids and performance enhancing drugs, Pornography, obscene publications, videos & software that promote or instruct violent behavior Indecent and obscene materials featuring children Reproductions of copyright materials and videos and counterfeit goods Weapons, swords, switchblades, martial arts equipment, fireworks and ammunitions Updated 16 February 2015 Copyright 2015 Atlas International Cordless telephones unless approved by the Spectrum Management Agency and the Australian Telecommunication Authority (AUSTEL) Plants, Birds, Animals (other than pets)

8 Meat, game, poultry and smokeless tobacco Skins, furs tusks etc from any animal mentioned on the Endangered Species List IMPORTATION OF PETS Australia is a rabies free country and therefore has stringent regulations governing the importation of animals. To meet all of the requirements, it requires careful advance planning to make all the necessary arrangements. The following points are general guidelines. For more detailed information contact Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQUIS). Applications for permits can be obtained from AQUIS, the permit must be obtained BEFORE importation. Quarantine requirements are dependent upon the animal s country of origin. The dog/cat must have been in the approved country for at least six months and must NOT have been in a quarantine kennel in the country of origin within 30 days prior to export.

9 Animals must be at least 6 months old. Certain breeds deemed dangerous such as Pit Bull Terriers, are prohibited. Birds and prohibited animals will be destroyed upon arrival All pets must be micro-chipped Pets must have a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) between 60 days to 1 year prior to exportation. The collection data should be at least 12 150 days before export to minimize the length of stay in quarantine. The test should occur at least 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination is administered. Required Documents: Veterinary Certificate A & B: Completed and endorsed by an official veterinarian in the country of origin prior to shipment AQUIS Import Permit IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES Before Importing a vehicle (automobile or motor cycle) into Australia , you must obtain a permit from the Federal Office of Road Safety in Canberra.

10 This permit must be obtained prior to shipping. For more information and to download an application for an import permit, go to the Department of Infrastructure website at All vehicles are subject to duties and taxes. The vehicle must be steam cleaned, including the underside, and the interior vacuumed to remove all dirt, prior to shipment. Quarantine authorities will inspect the vehicle upon arrival. Vehicles 15 years or older are exempt from Compliance Plate restrictions, but must meet State or Territory vehicle registration requirements. Vehicles 30 years old or more are duty free. Client has had possession of the vehicle for at least 12 consecutive months. Client is or has applied to become an Australian citizen, or permanent resident.